Marines, Willow Elementary kids collect Toys for Tots

ALL ABOARD—Children at Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills get in on the action as Marines visit the school recently to gather items for Toys for Tots.

Marines collected Toys for Tots from Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills on Fri., Dec. 15. Willow’s student council sponsored its second annual Toys for Tots toy drive, coordinated by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Students donated toys in exchange for Charlie Brown or Snoopy snow globes donated by the Marine Corps Reserve unit at Port Hueneme.

Students and Willow families donated more than 100 toys.

The toys will be given to area agencies for distribution to underprivileged children. The Marines arrived at the

school in time to attend the Friday morning assembly. Marine Sgt. Antonio Gomez, Cpl. Daniel Santana and HM2 Roberto Cardona have all served on active duty with the Marines and spent at least one tour in Iraq. Cardona also served in Afghanistan.

“I have never signed my name so much in my life” said Santana as students lined up, sometimes 10 deep, for autographs.

Students also asked for photos and handshakes from the Marines.

“It makes me proud” said Michael Forney, the parent who brought the Marines to Willow. “Our students see what these guys are and recognize that. They don’t have the political bias yet, just respect for what these three men have done.”